USA Swimming National Team Staffers Talk With Coaches

10/3/2013

This past weekend, two USA Swimming National Team staffers were traveling the country speaking to various groups of coaches. Frank Busch, the National Team Director, flew to Forest Grove, Ore., while Jack Roach, the National Junior Team Director, found himself in Park City, Utah.

Just being Frank

Frank Busch spoke at Pacific University located just outside Portland on Sept. 28. Busch gave two talks – each one lasting around an hour and a half – to more than 100 coaches. His first discussion looked at ways to take an athlete to the next level, while his second examined old school versus new school training methods.

“It’s great to get out in front of coaches to give tips and help in any way I can,” said Busch. “I’ve traveled all over the country to meet with coaches, and every trip I learn something new.”

Jack of all Trades

It started with an email in mid-September. U.S. Ski Team Development Coach Bryan Fish reached out to Jack Roach wondering if he could speak to his coaches. Fish wanted him to give two presentations: the first one covered ways to practically integrate sport science and the second looked at elite athlete development strategies. Roach agreed and talked for roughly two hours on each topic to nearly 60 coaches at the U.S. Cross Country Ski National Coaches Symposium on Sept. 28 in Park City, Utah.

“I always enjoy looking for ways to improve an athlete’s performance no matter what the sport,” said Roach. “When Bryan emailed me, I was excited to share what I knew to another NGB as they gear up for the Sochi Games.”